Ecuador Navy Armada Includes WWII Tugboat
Ecuador Navy ships periodically anchor in Puerto Lopez bay. Military men and women come to town and play fútbol and volleyball, eat at restaurants and generally enjoy some time on land. They are always polite and friendly. Even their casual tops and shorts are identical and well pressed.
Ed, a Peace Corps worker in town, mentioned that the boat currently anchored offshore was previously a WWII tugboat for the USA. I began to research this ship and found it has a long history.
 |
| BAE Chimborazo (RA-70) anchored off Puerto Lopez November 5, 2017 |
Ecuador’s Navy Armada includes an Abnaki class Fleet Ocean Tug named BAE Chimborazo (RA-70). Initially commissioned for the USA Navy February 21, 1944 as the USS CHOWANOC AT-100, then the USS CHOWANOC AFT-100 May 15, 1944, this tugboat received four battle stars in WWII and one in the Korean War (source here).
The USS CHOWANOC AFT-100 participated in four WWII campaigns, one Korean War campaign, and seven Vietnam War campaigns (source: here).
On October 1, 1977, the tug was transferred to the Ecuador Navy and renamed BAE Chimborazo (RA-70). Today, the BAE Chimborazo (RA-70) is used as a Ecuador Navy training vessel, traveling the 2237 km coastline. It was also used in relief efforts after the 7.8 April 16, 2016 Ecuador Earthquake.
 |
| BAE Chimborazo (RA-70) anchored off Puerto Lopez November 5, 2017 |
Thanks to Ed of the Peace Corps for mentioning the history of the military ship in harbor. It was an interesting ship to research.
Emily Bloomquist
I am a US Expat in Ecuador. I grew up on a Minnesota farm, worked in IT in California's Silicon Valley, then moved to a coastal Ecuador fishing village. My goal is to share Ecuador with you, one snippet at a time. Topics include attractions, compassion, ecotourism, Ecuador products, everyday Ecuador, and flora and fauna. Please let me know what you would like to read more about!
17 Comments
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Hi Emily – love the photos … and what they've managed to help make the old military ship of value to Ecuador today … especially when it comes to relief efforts … I expect Ed has some other ideas up his sleeve for you to look at – cheers Hilary
Emily Bloomquist
I expect he will have more ideas, too 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by, Hilary, and for your kind comment!
John B Tata
Emily,
I was 2nd in command of USS Chowanoc (ATF 100) , 1969-1970. If you would like a history of our operations during 1969, I will be happy to email to you. I hope the old girl is working well for her new owners.
Emily Bloomquist
How incredible that you found my post, John. I would love the history of your operations during 1969. The new owners seem happy with her. You can reach me at emily@emilyinecuador.com
Thank you so much for stopping by and commenting!
Sam McGovern
Emily: A number of us old Navy sailors (and ex- USS Chowanoc crewmembers) still live in San Diego and keep up on news of our old ship. Amazing she is still going strong after all this time. We took her to Viet Nam and into North Viet Nam during the final stages of the war. If you happen to be familiar with the TV show “Pawn Stars” and the Old Man (R. Harrison), well this is the ship he spent five years on.
Thanks for putting the Chowanoc on the internet !!
Emily Bloomquist
Hi Sam, I am so glad you found this page! How fun to find out that your old ship is here and going strong. I just looked up the cast of Pawn Stars so now have a face to go with one of the former Navy sailors. Others in town will be excited to know you wrote – thank you. We enjoy seeing your old ship off our shores here in Ecuador.
Thank you very much for your service.
John Tata
Emily,
I am a Chawonoc sailor from 69-70, please keep me posted on events with the old girl. Also, I am collecting names of shipmates onboard in December 1969, as they need to know they are in the Agent Orange population.
Keep up the good work.
Dave larsen
I was rm2c in atf100 uss chowanoc from April 1964 to November 1966.
Had 2 west coast trips … took stuff to DANANG…
I would like sailor guys in that time to email me.. GOOD OLD DAYS..
THANKS… DAVE LARSEN N9ZXLQRP at GMAIL.COM
Emily Bloomquist
Thank you for your service, Dave! I hope you hear from some of the sailors.
DOUG RYON
Hello Emily,
I just stumbled onto your website and was very happy to see the pictures of the former USS Chowanoc. I served on board from 1964 to 1965 and am friends with Dave Larsen. I had heard that the RA-70 Chimborazo was no longer in active service down there but hope that it is. Being a smaller ship it was good duty and we were pretty much like family.
The closest I ever get to Equador is Utila Island, Honduras where my son Brad lives and owns Utila Realty. I hope that you are having a good life down there.
Best regards
Doug Ryon
Fairport, NY
8/8/2020
Emily Bloomquist
Thank you so much for your service and for sharing, Doug! Last time I heard, it is still being used for training. I am so glad you stopped by and commented.
John Tata
Emily,
What is the date of Doug’s post.
Sent June 2, 2020
Emily Bloomquist
John, Doug’s post was on May 8, 2020.
John Tata
Emily,
Is the old Tug still in service. If its hard to determine, I will contact the consulate here in MA
Emily Bloomquist
Unless something changed very recently, it is still in use by the Ecuadorian Navy. I believe it is used for training.
John, I just realized I hadn’t yet thanked you for your service. Thank you.
John Tata
Thanks
Robert Daniels
I was a crew member on the Chowonoc for four years fr4om 1972-1975. I served with Sam Mcgovern and Richard Harris. We made two West Pac cruises on the old girl and was excited to find your post. I know it has been awhile and would not be surprised if she has been sunk or scrapped by now but I have lots of fond memories of my time on the old “Chowdog”.